Airport Improvement Program

The Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), Division of Aviation, is a state-funded initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the system of public-use airports across Kansas. The program was most recently updated in November 2024, with new guidelines effective January 1, 2025. KAIP's overarching strategy is to support airport sponsors in maintaining safe and efficient infrastructure while contributing to the economic development of their respective communities. KAIP’s objectives include maintaining airport runways to a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 65 or better, reducing ground travel time to air ambulance pick-up locations, improving overall airport safety, and enhancing the appeal of airports for economic development. The program is explicitly open to public-use airports as defined in K.S.A. 75-5061, and sponsors must commit to keeping their airport open for public use for at least 10 years after receiving a grant. Funding under KAIP is available for four categories of projects: System Preservation, Modernization, Equipment, and Design/Planning. System Preservation focuses on maintaining existing infrastructure, while Modernization addresses capacity increases, line-of-sight improvements, and obstruction removal. Equipment projects support the acquisition of items like snow removal tools, lighting systems, and mowers. Design/Planning projects involve activities such as airport layout drawings or aeronautical surveys. Special hangar projects may also be eligible for lottery-based funding, capped at $500,000 and requiring a 50/50 match. The maximum standard funding from KAIP is $800,000 per project. Exceptions include up to $1.6 million for new paved runway construction and $1.2 million for full-depth runway reconstruction. The funding match depends on project type: 90/10 for preservation, modernization, and design/planning projects; 50/50 for equipment and hangar projects; and 50/50 when matching federal funds. Sponsors must start projects within two years of award and complete them within one year of initiation. Applications for the standard KAIP cycle are accepted annually from January 1 through January 31. Emergency or critical out-of-cycle applications may be submitted anytime throughout the year, subject to availability of funds. Selection decisions are generally made by March, with notices to proceed issued no earlier than July 1, aligning with the state fiscal year. Applications must be accepted within 120 days of the grant offer. The evaluation criteria include alignment with the Kansas Aviation System Plan, safety impacts, economic development potential, and readiness indicators like airport planning documents and previous project performance. Applicants are encouraged to consult KDOT’s Division of Aviation before submitting applications. The point of contact for KAIP is Ray Seif, Director of Aviation, who can be reached at (785) 296-2553. A program guidance document, emergency application form, and recorded informational webinar are available for reference. The program’s guidance and latest documents can be accessed at https://

Sponsors are encouraged to consult with KDOT Aviation before applying to ensure eligibility and alignment with state aviation goals.